Starting fall music
NOW PLAYING | Tom Irwin
The sounds come gushing this weekend from all directions as we plunge into official autumn while finishing off September and the summer with a splash. From here, there and everywhere flows music from the fountain.
First and foremost, to the top of the toppermost, come celebrate a great day in the history of the Springfield music scene as Gary Bloom commemorates 50 years of playing and singing music on Friday, Sept. 25, 5 to 10 p.m. at the Curve Inn. Host band (Gary’s current and longtime group) the Groove Daddies throw the party with special guests coming from all over to participate in this lifetime-in-the-making event. Musicians representing these blasts from the pasts, like the Signets, Reindeer Army, Cats and Flock of Tooters, band together along with members of other popular local acts to share music, tales, food, drinks and more music. Treat yourself to a YouTube recording of “Subterranean Sunset” by Reindeer Army (been spelled as Raindeer, too) circa 1967, by Googling “Gary Bloom Spfld IL” to hear the man singing back in the day. You should see it about three posts down. Congratulations, Gary, from all of us who have been touched and entertained, delighted and entranced by your musical contributions to lucky listeners throughout the years. How about 50 more?
California wonders Venice, a great and powerful band of musical heritage and family members, return to the Legacy Theatre on Friday for a fundraiser to benefit the Boys and Girls Club, The Matthew Project and Springfield Ballet Company Outreach Program. Be forewarned that these shows usually sell out and for good reason: Venice is one of the best bands ever assembled. Thanks to Steve Wells and company for this annual gift to Springfield. On Saturday Venice assumes an alter ego and becomes the cool cover band The Pine Mountain Logs, performing at Boondocks in a benefit for the Mary Bryant Home. PML digs into the incredible talent of Venice to knock the socks off a variety of songs by other artists that will, by all accounts, surprise, delight and thrill you. Opening this show is none other than the aforementioned celebratory Groove Daddies, with lead singer Gary Bloom back in action, continuing his 50-year tradition of singing songs all the day long.
Meanwhile, this weekend on the streets of downtown Springfield, The International Route 66 Mother Road Festival pulls into town. Along with the 1,000-some cars and 80,000 expected people, the Hot Rod Stage at Sixth and Washington near the Brewhaus features The Hitmen (Friday night) and Rewind, Hipbone Sam and The Neverly Brothers (Saturday day and night). You might enjoy a special rocking performance sponsored by our friends at Recycled Records with The Motorvators from 12:30 to 2:30 on Saturday afternoon in front of the best little record store in the known universe. Better to burn out than fade away, they say. Vroom!
Our nice neighbors at the Black Sheep Cafe offer a Sunday night escapade called the End of the World Acoustic Show with performers Quincy Calvin Curran, Clare Frachey, Kristin Walker, Nick Murphy, Patrick Russell and Jessica Knight lined up to celebrate the blood moon lunar eclipse. The show starts at 7 p.m., and, according to some, ends when the worlds does, shortly after the eclipse. Well, it was fun while it lasted. Still costs five bucks to get in. Hey, you can’t take it with you!
If you want out of town, Champaign- Urbana hosts The Pygmalion Festival all weekend hosting big name, indie-rock artists at an accessible festival with hip workshops, awesome music and one of the coolest vibes at any festival anywhere.
See you in October!
Contact Tom Irwin at [email protected].
